'Crazy' Teddy Bear Blasted By Mental Health Advocates

[Kadie]

'Crazy' Teddy Bear Blasted By Mental Health Advocates
Valentine Bear Comes With Straightjacket, Commitment Papers

POSTED: 9:26 am EST January 12, 2005

MONTPELIER, Vt. -- Vermont's mental health community is protesting one of Vermont Teddy Bear's products.

The Valentine's Day-themed bear, called "Crazy for You Bear," comes in a straightjacket with commitment papers, and is meant to convey out-of-control love.

But the executive director of the Vermont chapter of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill says the bear is "a tasteless use of marketing that stigmatizes persons with mental illness."

Jerry Goessel has asked that the $70 bear be pulled from the market.

more...
http://www.thekcrachannel.com/health/4075017/detail.html